It was reported in Friday's New York Times that Arizona is considering privatizing its
prison system in order to save the state an estimated $100 million dollars.
Of course, the savings are illusory. A Department of Justice study
concluded that there is little benefit from privatization over time.
Just how is it possible for a private company to achieve those savings AND
take a profit? They will cut pay, health insurance, prisoner care, food quality,
and make the conditions of the prison worse than they already are.
The short sightedness of this idea isn't really surprising; I come to expect
it from every politician trying to close a budget gap. What gets me is the
ability to ignore the cause to treat the symptom.
It's fabulously well known that the prison population has swelled enormously
because of the war on drugs. Specifically, it’s a result of the arrest
and imprisonment of the non-violent drug offender.
Foresight would be a discussion of why the cultivation and possession of Marijuana continues to be a crime.
What's not attractive about police (and national drug enforcement) focusing
on people we need to worry about (violent offenders), reducing court congestion,
and relieving the strain of overcrowded prisons?
What's not attractive about collecting taxes (estimated
to be $660 million) on an item the state has never collected a dime on
before?
It's really that simple.
Note: Marijuana is "decriminalized" in Maine, meaning if you have less than 1.25
oz., you face a fine of $200 to $400. Possess more than 1.25 oz. and you
face a year in jail.
That still sounds pretty harsh to me. It's time for a change.